Anchor tripper



A. DiBWRELIO Jan 1, 163

ANCHOR TRIPPER 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Feb. 24, 1959 INVENTOR. AN TONE D0WREL l0 A. DOWRELIO Jan. 1, 1963 ANCHOR TRIPPER 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed.Feb. 24, 1959 INVENTOR. A N TONE DOWREL/O vll ATTORNEYS United Statesatent Patented Jan. 1, 1963 This invention relates to a new and improvedanchor tripper and associated mechanism.

More particularly, the present invention relates to an anchor tripperfastened to the deck of a boat and having a housing pivotally mountedabout a horizontal pivot axis and carrying sheaves over which the anchorchain or line passes. The housing is pivoted so that it can be swung outwell over the side of the boat while the anchor is being hoisted orlowered to prevent the anchor from marring the side of the boat, andalso so that after the anchor has been hoisted, the housing may be swungup over the deck out of the way of docks, other vessels and the like.

Various mechanical or manual hoisting means may be employed to raise orlower the anchor. In this connection reference is made to my Patent No.2,669,427, issued February 16, 1954, for an anchor hoist which may beused to wind and unwind the anchor line.

The present invention provides an anchor tripper which is pivotallymounted on the deck of the vessel in two positions, namely: A firstposition in which the tripper extends out over the bow of the vesselwhen the anchor is in the water; a second position in which the anchoris swung well over the deck when the boat is under way.

One of the features of the invention is the fact that the tripper isswung from first position to second position automatically as the anchorline is wound by the winch by reason of the anchor engaging guides whichpivot upwardly against a stationary stop mounted on the housing toprevent further inward movement of the anchor relative to the housingwith the result that further winding of the line causes the tripper tobe swung upwardly and backwardly against its pivot and into secondposition.

Still another feature of the invention is that as the tripper is swungupwardly and backwardly in the manner above described, the torque orcasting spring mounted to the housing pivot bolt sleeve is compressed.Thus, automatic anchor casting is provided in that when the winch clutchis released and the chain locking dog disengaged, the urging force ofthe spring causes the anchor tripper to pivot counterclockwise to firstposition.

Still another feature of the invention is the automatic anchor guide andlocking mechanism which directs the anchor to second position andsecurely maintains it in such position. This feature is provided by theanchor engaging guides which are pivotally mounted to the housing onboth sides of the housing frame adjacent the outer sheave. in thehoisting operation, when the anchor shank passes upwardly through theguides to the point where the anchor flukes engage the outer end of thefirst guide, continued pull against the line causes the first guide topivot outwardly and upwardly following the angle of the anchor, engagingthe second guide. The second guide is then forced to rear stop position.As the tripper pivots clockwise, the guides under downward pressure ofthe duke end of the anchor move counterclockwise against forward stopsand the anchor shank, to tightly lock the anchor against the firstsheave in normally horizontal position. In the lowering operation, theguides follow a reverse action releasing the anchor.

The foregoing described automatic movement of the housing from oneposition to the other, and locking and unlocking action of the guides,together with the remote control of the winch, makes possible hoisting,storage and lowering of the anchor at a distance from the bow, as fromthe wheelhouse, etc.

Still another feature of the present invention is that the tripper isadapted to use with anchors varying in size by reason of removablespaced apart stop pins on the housing adjacent the first sheavepermitting adjustment of the pivotal arc of the first guide.

Still another feature of the invention is the provision of achain-locking dog which may be swung into position to lock the chainagainst movement thereby facilitating use of the Windlass associatedwith the hoist for purposes other than raising and lowering the anchorwithout possibility of unintentional movement of the anchor line.

Other objects of the present invention will become apparent upon readingthe following specification and referring to the accompanying drawingsin which similar characters of reference represent corresponding partsin each of the several views.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a top plan view of the present invention showing the anchortripper and its stationary support.

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the present invention showing theanchor tripper mounted to the bow of a boat and in first positiioncarrying an anchor chain.

FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of the present invention showing ananchor tripper mounted to the bow of a boat and in second positioncarrying an anchor.

FIG. 4 is a side elevational vie-w of an anchor tripper according to thepresent invention mounted on the bow of a boat in combination with ananchor and line, a chain locking dog and a winch having a leveragesystem extending to the cabin for controlling the Winch clutch thereat.

FIG. 5 is atop plan view of an anchor tripper according to the presentinvention mounted on the bow of a boat in combination with a chain, achain-locking dog and a winch having a gypsy head.

FIG. 6 is a side elevational view of an anchor tripper according to thepresent invention located in second position carrying an anchor andshowing the tripper in combination with a main shaft carrying linesheaves for executing the hoisting and lowering operation manually fromthe wheelhouse.

The present invention is intended for installation on the deck 3adjacent the how 5 or stem of a boat, and may be used in combinationwith a winch 7, or in boats not equipped with a winch, a structure suchas that viewed in FIG. 6 of the drawings.

As shown on FIG. 6, mounted on a base plate 5 is a main shaft 11carrying a first sheave 13 at substantially the same level as thehorizontally disposed anchor shank 39 and a second sheave 17 mounted tothe base plate 9 and extending below the deck 3. The line passes overthe first sheave 13, extends downwardly through a suitable opening inthe base plate 9 and then passes around the second sheave 17 so that theanchor tripper 19 may be mechanically operated by means of a leveragesystem (not shown) from the wheelhouse 21.

When a winch is employed, mounted on a winch base plate 23, is a winch 7such as the type shown in my Patent No. 2,669,427, issued February 16,1954. The details of the description of such a winch are set forth inthe patent referred to, but generally it may be said that the winch maybe driven by an electric motor (not shown) below the deck. Mounted onthe main shaft 25 on one side of the hoist casing is a wildcat 26, thesurface of the drum of which is provided with grooves for an anchorchain, the opposite side of the shaft is provided with a gypsy-head 27which may be used to wind a line other than the anchor line. A controlhandle 29 actuates a clutch (not shown) to engage and disengage thewildcat '26 from driving relationship with the shaft 25 as is set forthin said patent. Remote control of the clutch may be accomplished bymeans of a leverage system 31 having a second handle (not shown) in thewheelhouse 21 or other convenient location on the vessel.

In place of the anchor chain 33 shown in the accompanying drawings, acable, rope, or the like may be employed, all such instrumentalitiesbeing referred to herein collectively as a line. The line 33 is woundover the Windlass 26 and passes through guide 35 below the deck where itmay be stored.

At the opposite end of the line 33 is an anchor 37. Such an anchor 37comprises a shank 39 on the lower end of which are flukes 41 and on theupper end of which is eye 43 which receives line 33. The anchor line 33passes over sheaves 45 and 47 mounted on anchor tripper 19. By windingand unwinding the line 33 on the wildcat 26, the anchor 37 may be raisedand lowered as desired.

A chain-locking dog 51 may be mounted on the deck 3 or on the hoistbase-plate 23. Such a dog comprises an arm 53 having a bifurcated upperend 55 bent in the direction of the bow 5, the width of the spacebetween the bifurcation being such as to permit one of the links of thechain to fit on edge while the two adjacent links, which are disposed atright angles to the engaged link, wedge against opposite sides of thebifurcated end. The lower end of the arm is pivotally mounted by meansof pivot 57 to a pair of ears 59 projecting up from the chain-lockingbase-plate 60 which is secured to the deck or to the hoist base plate.The dog 51 may be swung about pivot 57 from latching to unlatchingposition as desired. When in latching position, the dog preventsmovement of the chain and this permits gypsyhead 27 to be used to windat line other than the anchor line for such purpose as hauling in adinghy, drawing the boat toward a dock or for other purposes. Hence,release of the hoist clutch by handle 29, which enables the gypsy-headto turn without the anchor wildcat 2 6, does not release the anchorline.

The anchor lead 19 is mounted on a base plate 61 fastened to the deck 3of the vessel. Base plate 61 lies between winch 7 and the bow and thewinch 7 is offset so that the wildcat 26, the lead 19 and the bow 5 arealigned. The anchor tripper 19 includes two identical side frame members63 of generally triangular shape in side elevation. The triangular framemembers 63 may each be described as having two sides substantiallyforing an L, including a leg 65 and an arm 67, and a third third side 69joining the outer ends of the leg 65 and arm 67. The outer end of thearm 67 of the L is pivotally attached to upstanding lugs 71 on the baseplate 61 by means of pivot bolt 73 which passes through holes in thelugs 71 and a suitable spacing sleeve 75 interposed between the framemembers 63 holding them apart a fixed distance. Over the sleeve 75 ismounted a helical torque spring 77 to automatically lower the tripper 19to first position, as hereinafter explained.

The spring has an upper lever 79 fitted with a snubber 81 and a lowerlever 83 at opposite ends thereof to engage a rubber roller 85horizontally mounted between the side frames 63 parallel to and abovepivot bolt 73, and to engage the base plate 61 respectively, when thetripper is in second position as shown in-PIG. 3.

The roller is in such position that when the tripper is in the firstposition, the roller rests in a cradle 87 formed on the upper face ofthe base plate 61, cradle 87 being concave to fit the roller 35, so thatthe strain of the weight of the anchor, and the forward impact of theanchor tripper against the deck is taken by the cradle 87.

The roller 85 has a surface composed of rubber or other similar materialto cushion the impact of the tripper 19 against the deck 3 when thetripper is moved to first position.

Another bolt 91 and spacing sleeve (not shown) are spaced apart from andhorizontally mounted above roller at a central position, holding theside frame members 63 apart a fixed distance.

The top portion of web member 69 extending outward- 1y from the point atwhich the roller bolt 93 passes through the side frames 63 to thelocation of first sheave 45, and web member 95 extending from a centrall0- cation on web member 69 to the second sheave 47 are provided toreinforce the L-shaped members 65 and 6'7 and the lower portion of webmember 69. The openings 97 provided between the various members of theframe reduce the weight and provide access between the frame sides.

Pivotally mounted to the side frames 63 adjacent first sheave 45 are acircular-shaped first guide 99 and a U- shaped second guide 1111. Thefirst guide 99 is mounted on the first sheave bolt 103 by means ofsupporting arms 105. The second guide 101 passes around and over theupper end of the side frames 63 and is pivotally mounted above the firstsheave bolt 163 to the side frames 63 by screws 107.

One of the side plates 63 is formed with three apertures near itsperiphery, removably receiving stop pins 109, 1-11, and 113 (as shown inFIG. 2) which selectively restrict downward pivotal motion of the firstguide at different degrees of arc. By this means, the anchor tripper 19can be used to carry anchors of varying sizes.

Stop pin 109 nearest arm 1115 of the first guide 99 functions tomaintain the guide at an angle away from the how 5 of the boat when theanchor 37 is down. In the second tripper position, the same pin 109serves to communicate the downward forces at the fluke end 41 of theanchor 37 to the tripper 19 by engaging and supporting the arms of theWeight-bearing first guide 99.

The U-shaped second guide 101 is provided with a front stop 115 and rearstop 117 spaced apart from each other and projecting upward from one ofthe side frame members 63 adjacent first sheave 45.

In operation, when the anchor 37 is down, the tripper 19 is in the firstposition (FIGS. 2, 4 and 5) swung out over the bow 5. When it is desiredto use the gypsyhead 27, chain-locking dog 51 is raised so that one ofthe links is engaged between the bifurcations in the upper end 55.Thereupon, the clutch operated by control handle 29 of hoist 7 can bereleased permitting the gypsyhead 27 to turn without movement of theanchor chain 33.

When it is desired to hoist the anchor 37, chain-locking dog 51 is swungdown out of engagement with line 33. The clutch is engaged, winding thechain 33 up over sheaves 45 and 47 and wildcat 26, and down throughguide 35 into a locker below the deck. When the anchor 37 is lifted upout of the water, the shank 39 passes upward through guides 99 and 1131.When flukes d1 engage the outer end of first guide 99, under continuedpull of the line 33, guide 1111 pivots outwardly and upwardly forcingU-shaped guide 1111 backward against rear stop 117 to restrict furtherclockwise motion of both guides 99 and 101, and further inward movementof the anchor 37 relative to the tripper 19. The pull forces of of thewinch '7 are then communicated to the outer end of the tripper 19causing it to move clockwise to second position, compressing the torquespring 7'7. In this position, the weight of the anchor flukes 41 forcesthe first guide 99 downward against stop pin 1G9 and the underside ofthe shank 39 at the fluke end of the anchor. The second guide 101 isforced up against front stop 115 and the topside of the rear portion ofanchor shank 39. Thus, the anchor 37 is securely locked against sheave45 substantially horizontally in second position.

Desirably, when the anchor 37 reaches second position as shown in FIG.3, the motor is stopped manually or by means of a hoist switch (notshown) which de-energizes the hoist motor, or the clutch is disengagedand dog 51 is engaged.

If after the anchor 37 is wound to second position, it

is desired to use the gypsy-head 27, the chain-locking dog 51 may bere-engaged.

To release the anchor from second position, the clutch is disengagedwith dog 51 in release position allowing wildcat 26 to unwind. Then,under force of the torque spring 77, the anchor tripper 19 is pitchedforward and downward to first position causing the guides 99 and 101 tomove slightly clockwise, releasing the anchor 37. The anchor then fallsfreely through the guides into the Water and away from the bow of theboat.

Although I have described my invention in some detail by way ofillustration and example for purpose of clarity of understanding, it isunderstood that certain changes and modifications may be made.

What is claimed is:

1. In an anchor tripper for cooperating with an anchor having a lineassociated therewith of the type having a frame member, means pivotallymounting the frame member on a boat for movement to an extended positionhaving an extremity outwardly of the boat and to a retracted positionoverlying the boat, the improvement comprising first and second guidemeans mounted on the extended portion of said member, a sheave mountedon the extremity of said member, said anchor being adapted to passthrough said first and second guide means and over said sheave, meansfor taking in and letting out said anchor line, means pivotally mountingsaid first guide means to allow free movement of said line downwardlywhen said frame member is in the extended position, stop meanspreventing downward movement of said first guide means to allow saidfirst guide means to support said anchor when said frame member is inthe retracted position, means pivotally mounting said second guide meansto allow free passage of said anchor line over said sheave when saidframe member is in the extended position and adaptable to receive theshank of the anchor when said anchor is in the retracted position toprevent upward movement of the shank of the anchor, and said sheaveoperably connected to said first and second guide means and forming thesupport for the middle section of the shank of the anchor.

2. In an anchor tripper for cooperating with an anchor having a lineassociated therewith of the type having a frame member, means pivotallymounting said frame member on a boat for movement to an extendedposition outwardly of the boat and to a retracted position overlying theboat the improvement comprising the tip portion of said member having asheave adapted to support a portion of said anchor intermediate thefluke end and rearward end of said anchor when said member is in theretracted position and to form a guide for the anchor line when saidmember is in the extended position, and anchor support means includingfirst and second support members mounted on the tip of said frame memberoperably connected to said sheave to support the fluke end of saidanchor against downward movement and the rearward end of said anchoragainst upward movement when said member is in the retracted position,said support means being pivotally mounted on said member to allow freepassage of said anchor line through said support means when said memberis in the extended position.

3. An anchor tripper according to claim 2 and wherein said first andsecond support members comprise a first guide having a circular guidesleeve having a diameter larger than the shank of said anchor andpivotally mounted to extend downwardly when said member is in theextended position, and a second guide mounted above said first guideformed in a U-shaped configuration overlying the sheave and anchor line.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS1,749,193 Schauman et a1 Mar. 4, 1930 2,632,418 Gronquist Mar. 24, 19532,669,427 Dowrelio Feb. 16, 1954 2,718,865 Kurzman Sept. 27, 19552,734,475 Fyock Feb. 14, 1956 2,837,050 Frank June 3, 1958 2,940,412Whitney June 14, 1960 2,940,413 Sanders June 14, 1960

1. IN AN ANCHOR TRIPPER FOR COOPERATING WITH AN ANCHOR HAVING A LINEASSOCIATED THEREWITH OF THE TYPE HAVING A FRAME MEMBER, MEANS PIVOTALLYMOUNTING THE FRAME MEMBER ON A BOAT FOR MOVEMENT TO AN EXTENDED POSITIONHAVING AN EXTREMITY OUTWARDLY OF THE BOAT AND TO A RETRACTED POSITIONOVERLYING THE BOAT, THE IMPROVEMENT COMPRISING FIRST AND SECOND GUIDEMEANS MOUNTED ON THE EXTENDED PORTION OF SAID MEMBER, A SHEAVE MOUNTEDON THE EXTREMITY OF SAID MEMBER, SAID ANCHOR BEING ADAPTED TO PASSTHROUGH SAID FIRST AND SECOND GUIDE MEANS AND OVER SAID SHEAVE, MEANSFOR TAKING IN AND LETTING OUT SAID ANCHOR LINE, MEANS PIVOTALLY MOUNTINGSAID FIRST GUIDE MEANS TO ALLOW FREE MOVEMENT OF SAID LINE DOWNWARDLYWHEN SAID FRAME MEMBER IS IN THE EXTENDED POSITION, STOP MEANSPREVENTING DOWNWARD MOVEMENT OF SAID FIRST GUIDE MEANS TO ALLOW SAIDFIRST GUIDE MEANS TO SUPPORT SAID ANCHOR WHEN SAID FRAME MEMBER IS INTHE RETRACTED POSITION, MEANS PIVOTALLY MOUNTING SAID SECOND GUIDE MEANSTO ALLOW FREE PASSAGE OF SAID ANCHOR LINE OVER SAID SHEAVE WHEN SAIDFRAME MEMBER IS IN THE EXTENDED POSITION AND ADAPTABLE TO RECEIVE THESHANK OF THE ANCHOR WHEN SAID ANCHOR IS IN THE RETRACTED POSITION TOPREVENT UPWARD MOVEMENT OF THE SHANK OF THE ANCHOR, AND SAID SHEAVEOPERABLY CONNECTED TO SAID FIRST AND SECOND GUIDE MEANS AND FORMING THESUPPORT FOR THE MIDDLE SECTION OF THE SHANK OF THE ANCHOR.